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Uponor hosts five part webinar series

The webinar series will cover conservation of energy, explaining why it should not be the prime focus but rather a product of achieving the desired indoor environment.




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Cogeneration puts New York college on the leading edge of sustainability

Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) has served upstate New York for more than 50 years. 




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Tips for installing and servicing CPVC pipes

When installed properly and protected from incompatible chemicals, CPVC can deliver years of reliable service in even the most aggressive water conditions. Get tips on installing and servicing CPVC pipes.




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Water-to-air geothermal heat pump from Bosch Thermotechnology




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Thermostatic mixing valve: Temperature control for solar heat

Webstone, a brand of NIBCO, introduces the new Thermostatic Mixing Valve for high-temperature solar heat sources.




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First net zero energy education and research facility in Victoria

The training facility, designed for the plumbing industry, will generate all energy required to support the operation of the building on site through the incorporation of several renewable energy technologies.




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IAPMO publishes Installation Standard for Residential Solar Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems

The 2021 USHGC is scheduled to be published in early 2021.




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Geothermal, the model of environmentally-friendly

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, more than half (51%) of the energy used in U.S. homes is directly spent on just two end uses, heating and air-conditioning. As such, producing a comfortable temperature within your living space creates one of the biggest carbon footprints of our modern living environment.




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RPA, Hydronics Industry Alliance partner with Egg Geothermal to offer webinar series

Each module is $140 for RPA and IAPMO members, and $170 for non-members.




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Geothermal heat pumps: The solution for residential developments

What does a looming housing shortage, a significant increase in energy prices and 52% of home buyers ready to heat and cool their homes with electricity have in common? They’re all remedied in the same way: All-geothermal residential developments.




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Ross Goldstein: Design your system for the ‘what ifs’

A lot of things are out of your control when working on a job involving multiple trades. Whenever I design any type of system, I always go down a list of “what ifs.” The “what ifs” are scenarios that can affect the performance of a system due to an unknown. This includes actions by other trades.




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Propane and solar energy: How using both can improve sustainability and comfort

Hybrid systems that run on propane and solar can be tailored to a project’s unique needs, providing lower first costs and reduced ongoing energy costs and emissions.




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Ross Goldstein: Creating cooling and dehumidification using solar thermal or waste heat

There are multiple ways to dehumidify a space — mechanical, reheat and desiccant to name a few. The biggest issue has been that conventional air conditioning units are only 10% effective at removing humidity. Until now, standard de-humidification systems were expensive to purchase and install.




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DOE invests $6M in geothermal heating and cooling technologies at federal facilities

New technical assistance capacity will help the federal government lead by example in demonstrating benefits and potential of decarbonizing buildings with geothermal energy.




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Ross Goldstein: Waste heat recovery from solar PV

A little-known fact about solar electric panels is that the hotter the panel itself, the less efficient it becomes. Studies have found a 0.05% efficiency loss for every degree of temperature that is increased. The reverse is true in that efficiency increases by 0.05% for every degree temperature decreases.




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Zaid Rahman: 3 credit card considerations for plumbing contractors

 While most plumbers may like to think that they’re mostly serving routine maintenance or installation customers, the most common nature of those calls is likely panicked customers with a burst pipe, a backed-up toilet or another emergency that needs a response ASAP.




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Jay Egg and Kristy Egg: What the IRA provides for geothermal technologies

In 2009 under President Barack Obama, the economic stimulus package of 2009 was signed into law. Egg Geo was a regional engineering and contracting company in the southeastern United States with robust business in our central Florida offices.




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IRA reduces cost barriers for geothermal heating and cooling

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has delivered good news in the form of federal income tax credits and accelerated depreciation deductions that help make geothermal a more attractive option.





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Water-to-water heat pumps meet stringent efficiency requirements for new school facility

A North Vancouver school chose WaterFurnace for its reliability and energy efficiency. The manufacturer's rep mentioned that the equipment aligned with decarbonization efforts. Finances were a concern, as is usual with building projects.




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IAPMO, Pace to publish UMC Chapter 17 as standalone document for Geothermal Energy Systems and Ambient Temperature Loops (ATL)

The document addresses the need for enforceable safety provisions for geothermal district ambient temperature loop systems.




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ICC releases recommended practices for remote virtual inspections

The publication is based on study, research and discussions from the Code Council’s membership, partners and industry experts.




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PM Profile: ICC's Dominic Sims

Plumbing & Mechanical recently had the chance to interview International Code Council CEO Dominic Sims about the current landscape for codes and standards and the plumbing industry overall. 




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New criteria in drinking water standard tightens lead leaching allowance for plumbing products

Joint committee governing NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 lowers maximum allowable limits of leached lead from plumbing endpoint devices.




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The changing landscape of fire protection

The world is changing quickly, and transformative technologies are introducing new requirements for safety. 




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IAPMO elects new president, board members during virtual conference

David Gans, chief building official for the city of Oceanside, California, was elected IAPMO’s 61st president, and Steven Panelli, chief plumbing inspector for the city and county of San Francisco, was elected vice president.




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Codes Corner: The benefits of the UPC and Installation Standards

The Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) has a long history of providing useful information that is not offered by other model codes. 




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PM Profile: IAPMO’s Dave Viola

Last fall, IAPMO announced its CEO of 25 years, Russ Chaney, would be retiring at the end of the year, and former COO and Executive Vice President Dave Viola would succeed Chaney at the helm of the 95-year-old association. 




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Flexible Parking Garage Gas Monitoring Design is Key

Whether new or retrofit construction, parking structures and shipping and loading bays are often crucial to the viability and efficient use of residential, commercial, industrial and multi-use developments. 




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Codes Corner: How code or specialty plumbing certification sets you apart as a contractor or engineer

I frequently speak at college campuses and trade apprenticeships. Whether it be to future engineers or contractors, my technical talks typically end up covering non-technical content, specifically career development. 




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Codes Corner: Water efficiency is critical to creating sustainable and resilient communities

As the creation of sustainable and resilient buildings becomes a greater priority, especially over the past year, one critical component will be to ensure our buildings are water efficient. 




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ICC, PMI announce transition of Matt Sigler to Code Council’s plumbing and mechanical team

Sigler is a well-known and highly respected technical expert in the industry with over 20 years of experience in construction, codes and engineering.




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ICC, RESNET to develop standard on Remote Virtual Inspections for energy and water performance in buildings

The new standard will provide guidance for implementing RVI for energy code compliance and for energy and water efficiency performance.




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ASHRAE publishes Standard 241, Control of Infectious Aerosols

Standard 241 establishes minimum requirements to reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission, such as SARS-COV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19, the flu virus and other pathogens in buildings like single and multi-family homes, offices, schools and healthcare facilities.




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Rebuilding effort in Paradise, California focuses on fire-safe buildings

The Camp Fire in Butte County, California, started in 2018, destroying over 18,000 structures and causing 85 deaths. Paradise, a town 90 miles north of Sacramento, lost about 95% of its buildings, but It is on the road to recovery.




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IAPMO makes Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) available for public comment

The deadline to submit comments is Sept. 5.




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Commercial water heating market moves toward electrification

As more and more cities and states seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it’s clear that regulatory activity is clearly driving the push to electrification and decarbonization.




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Demand for trenchless pipe solutions grows

Plumbing & Mechanical Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke had the chance to chat with Jason Klaus, senior sales manager of HammerHead Trenchless about the growing market demand and the benefits of offering trenchless solutions.




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The growing trend toward electrified heating and cooling

As the world continues to search for solutions to reduce and eliminate carbon emissions, the plumbing industry suddenly finds itself at the forefront of change.




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Best practices for venting tankless water heaters

Here's what you need to know about venting for tankless water heaters and how you can approach it for the least cost and best results.




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5 trends affecting residential plumbing systems

Various market forces and trends can influence the decisions plumbers and engineers make regarding those materials and designs. Here are five that should be considered in the coming year.




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F.W. Webb's hydronic panels, born of circumstance, succeed

Leave it to good old fashioned ingenuity. F.W. Webb recognized an opportunity during the pandemic that resulted in a new revenue stream and an influx of satisfied customers.




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Tips and tools for 'Fix a Leak Week' and beyond

The U.S. EPA's "Fix A Leak Week" runs March 18-24.




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Flowing forward: commercial pumps embrace sustainability for a greener future

With the world's focus on sustainability growing, plumbing engineers play a crucial role in adopting eco-friendly solutions. A major trend in commercial pump technology is the drive for efficiency and energy conservation. Find out how manufacturers are addressing environmental concerns and high energy costs.




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Pipeline profits: Drain cleaning, pipe inspection create opportunities

Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative opportunities for plumbing contractors, especially with aging infrastructure. New technology makes these services easier than ever.




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Innovation for an important part of the home

Wi-Fi technology has improved homes, including water heaters. The changing landscape of water heaters presents challenges for industry professionals. Nick Snell, director of plumbing sales at F.W. Webb Co., emphasizes the importance of working with a supplier that understands the evolving marketplace.




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Master the basics of sewer root removal

Root intrusion in sewer systems causes blockages, slow drainage, unpleasant odors, and overflow. Preventative root control is essential to maintain the sewer system's hydraulic capacity. This issue deserves our full attention.




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Heat pump water heaters: transforming contractor profits with sustainable solutions

The plumbing industry is evolving with a focus on sustainability. Heat pump water heaters (HPWH) present an opportunity for contractors to stand out and meet changing client needs, contributing to environmental conservation and demonstrating leadership in a dynamic market.




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Hot water in seconds — boosting comfort while saving water

Nestled within a 20-year-old home deep in the heart of Klein, Texas, the Stansifer family encountered a common homeowner problem: a painfully long three-to-five-minute wait for hot water whenever they turned on a faucet.




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The benefits of polymer piping systems for engineers and business owners

PEX's shape memory allows it to expand and shrink without compromising its integrity, making it highly resistant to damage in freezing conditions. This has proven to be a lifesaver in areas like Texas during unexpected mid-winter freezes.




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From automobiles to water heaters

A. O. Smith, celebrating 150 years in 2024, began in 1874 as a metal components supplier for baby carriages and bicycles. Arthur O. Smith designed a lightweight pressed steel car frame and became a major supplier to car manufacturers like Packard, Cadillac, and Ford.